OTC releases handheld battery tester, using iOS or Android device to test battery in minutes

July 28, 2014
The 3200 Smart Battery Tester quickly checks battery voltage, and health and status of vehicle charging and starting systems, in less than three minutes.

OTC has launched the 3200 Smart Battery Tester, offering near-instant battery, charging and starting system test results with a technician’s iOS or Android device. The tester clips onto a battery’s terminals and provides battery voltage and cold cranking amps (CCA) on-screen, and also displays a QR code. Using the OTC 3200 app and a smart device with a rear-facing camera, users can read the QR code to view a full report including battery, charging system and starting system health. The tester’s on-screen display indicates when to start the vehicle to measure starting system draw and charging system status.

“The simplicity of this battery tester lets a technician clip it on and quickly check battery voltage and CCA for near-instant results,” said Matt Anderson, OTC Product Manager. “Using a load testing method provides very accurate results, providing features not seen in other battery testers in this price range including smartphone communication, the ability to test a deeply discharged battery and electronic communication for printing or transferring test results.”

The pocket-sized tester will work on 6-, 8- and 12-Volt lead-acid and AGM batteries for all light duty applications. An internal 9V battery allows testing of deeply discharged batteries for faster diagnosis, minimizing the ‘charge and retest’ process often used. The accompanying app will also scan the battery and vehicle barcode to collect battery and vehicle electrical system specs.

“The ability to print and save data helps track battery health on customer return visits, helping identify other potential vehicle problems,” added Anderson.

The Smart Battery Tester can check CCA, MCA, CA, EN, EN2, DIN and mohm with a 100 – 2,000 CCA range and is available through OTC’s regular sales channels now. The OTC 3200 app is available free now on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

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